Marcos: China’s new detention policy in SCS ‘unacceptable’

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday said that it was “unacceptable” for China to detain perceived trespassers in the South China Sea (SCS) and vowed to protect Filipinos.

READ: China Coast Guard: We can detain trespassers

China has emboldened its Coast Guard to detain trespassers in the waters it has claimed as its own in the SCS, which overlap with the West Philippine Sea.

READ: PH Coast Guard detains vessel with 7 Chinese crew in Zambales town

“That kind of action would be completely unacceptable to the Philippines. We, of course, once again, I do not talk about the operational details so we will leave it to us. But the position that we take is that, that is unacceptable and we will take whatever measures to always protect our citizens,” said Marcos in an ambush interview in Makati City.

READ: Carpio: New China Coast Guard regulation contrary to Unclos, UN Charter 

China’s threat of detention came after the Atin To coalition finished its civilian convoy to Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.